"A heavy bass beat thumped in the background, heralding the start of the annual Amp Harris/Reggie Wayne "Saving Our Youth'' celebrity basketball game as part of Indiana Black Expo.

But it's another sound that Wayne anticipates. Soon.

Rrrrriiing!

The Indianapolis Colts' veteran receiver, along with approximately 1,900 of his NFL brethren, is waiting for that phone call from team officials informing him the owner-imposed lockout has ended and it's time to get back to the business of football.

"Whenever they're ready, man, just call me . . . they've got my number,'' Wayne said, flashing a smile. "All that back-and-forth stuff (during labor negotiations), you don't know what's going to happen.

"Whenever I see that 317 area code, I know it's time to go to work.''

Owners and players reportedly have resolved the vast majority of their differences -- dividing up the $9.3 billion revenue pie, a rookie wage scale, etc. -- and an agreement in principle on a new labor contract could be announced early this week. Players must vote to accept a new CBA and owners are expected to address the issue Thursday in Atlanta.

If both sides approve the new labor deal, football operations could begin July 25. It's uncertain when NFL doors, closed since the lockout began March 12, would reopen to the players.

"I have no clue,'' Wayne said. "I'm like a pregnant lady right now. My bags (are) already packed.

"I'm expecting the worst because I've got a feeling it's going to come at an odd time.''

Whenever the call comes, Wayne promises to answer and be ready even though his contract remains an issue.

The five-time Pro Bowl selection is in the final year of a six-year, $39 million contract he signed in 2006. He's due a base salary of $5.95 million this season."